Michigan International Speedway hosts donation drive

Thursday

Nov 21, 2013 at 2:00 PM

By Dan CherryDaily Telegram Staff Writer

For the fifth year, MIS Cares, the charitable arm of Michigan International Speedway, will permit people who donate nonperishable food or toys to its annual drive for a chance to take a lap around the track.

The charity’s annual track and toy drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, weather permitting, according to a news release. Donors may take a lap in their personal vehicle around the track in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy or a bag of nonperishable food. All items will be donated to the Brooklyn Food Pantry in Brooklyn and the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots campaign.

In addition, Santa will visit with children in the Michigan Room, with a collectible photo taken for a fee. Children will also be invited to color a holiday card that will be sent to active military members.

In 2012, the drive helped numerous families throughout the area, track officials said. The track filled a 15-foot truck twice with food for the Brooklyn Food Pantry and a 26-foot truck with items for Toys for Tots.

Track drive participants should enter the speedway through the tunnel gate off Brooklyn Highway and follow the signs to the infield entry point, where they will take a controlled pace lap around the 2-mile oval.

Toy and food donations will also be accepted at MIS from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Dec. 6. Separate food and toy collection boxes are located in the track’s lobby. All donated toys must be unwrapped and new. Donated food items should be nonperishable. The food pantry is also seeking soap products, paper goods, canned fruits and juices.